Vintage Simmons Drums (UK) Users Group

Thanks for responding jesper.  I'll look into the voltages.  Not sure 
if I can find the trigger voltage for an sds-8 pad.  I don't like the 
idea of modifying classic stuff, but I bought them to use cause they 
look so cool!  I think the rubber has hardened from age/storage.  
Might be why the low sensitivity/butt of stick/stinging palm thing is 
go'in on.  I guess there isn't demand to warrant aftermarket 
replacement pads!  So I will cut and paste some sort of stuff at the 
strike area, thus totally destroying the integrity of original- but I 
will be looking cool with those black hexagons!  Even as I type, face 
it, all around, you can almost hear Simmons pads drying out.  
Somebody help me, somebody do something!  Can I get a witness!!

Take care jesper,
Rich


Hi!
> 
> > Hello everyone, I'm new to the group and Simmons.  I had used a 
Tama
> > Techstar kit back in the 80's because I couldn't afford Simmons at
> > that time.  I recently purchased an sds8 set that "looks" in near
> > perfect condition.
> 
> Good for you!
> 
> > Since the techstars were actual heads over foam,
> > the rubber over wood is uncharted territory for me.  I need to 
know
> > if the following observations are normal or problems which can be
> > fixed.  First, the module has an audible hum which seems to get
> > louder as the unit is moved closer to the guitar amp I'm using (I
> > would imagine this would be a much bigger problem through a PA
> > system).
> 
> Fix it to ground (unless already done) and see if it helps... 
Ground hum is
> my guess...
> 
> > Second, I'm noticing granular fragments of rubber along
> > with pitting in the strike area of the pads.  I know rubber drys 
with
> > age, but since the pads looked like they'd never been played I'm 
not
> > sure if this is normal.
> 
> Never heard of - must've been lying in a dry attic or something... :
(
> 
> > If the rubber has dryed out, is there a fix?
> 
> Not that I know of...
> 
> > Third, when using the pads with an Alesis Dm-5 module (with the
> > velocity set at max) it is necessary to use the butt end of the 
stick
> > to get consistent triggering between the four pads.  I'm using 
5A's
> > with moderate force.  I use an overhand grip and this produces 
quite
> > a stinging sensation on the palm of my snare hand (stick
> > reverberation) unless I really keep a tight grip.  Is there a more
> > sensitive replacement trigger available?
> 
> Have you checked the Alesis input data? I mean, what voltage does 
it need to
> trigger? Maybe a resistor could be replaced? I have had no problem 
trigging
> anything with the Simmonspads I own. Quite the opposite...
> 
> > Fourth, are the pad casings
> > stappled to the wood top section?
> 
> Yes!
> 
> > If so, is there a better method of
> > fastening these casings to make access to the trigger easier?
> 
> I replaced two broken knobs on my SDS-1's and I removed the 
staples, made
> the fix and replaced the casing. I didn't restapled it 'cause I 
felt it
> seemed to stay in place anyway. Why would you need access to the 
trigger? I
> have never felt the need on my pads? But if you're into destroying 
vintage
> gear (a joke my friends!) I guess you could screw it in place 
instead. The
> hardest part is removing those darn staples. They stick to the wood 
like
> dogshit to the sole of my Getta Grips... ;)
> 
> Good luck!
> 
> 
> electronically yours, jesper
> 
> http://www.bolina.hsb.se/hsidor/jesper
> - -- --- ---- ----- ------ ----- ---- --- -- -
> Electronic Obsession Mailorder
> http://obsession.svart.nu